Page 146 of Whisper Sweet Nothings
Her eyes widened as a big smile spread across her face. “Really? You’re staying? What about Melody?”
“She’s with my mom and dad, and she was thrilled that I was coming to be with you. I didn’t tell her until I dropped her at my parents’ house, because she definitely would have spilled the beans.” I laughed. “But we’ll be home soon enough. Right now, I want to be here to support you these last few days. I’ll be the dude in the back whistling and cheering you on, if you’re okay with that.”
A tear rolled down her cheek. “I’m definitely okay with that. Thank you. I’m so happy you’re here.”
She wrapped her arms around my neck and hugged me tighter.
“Me too, baby. And I’m not going anywhere. I’ll be right beside you whenever you need me.”
And I meant it.
This woman completed me.
And I was ready to start forever right now.
thirty-eight
. . .
Winnie
Archerand I had wrapped up the book tour and flown home. Having that time with him was magical. We’d explored New York and New Jersey, then traveled to Boston and DC, and he’d come with me to each signing. Every time I’d look out in the audience, he was smiling at me. And then he’d hang out afterward and talk to readers, and all the exhaustion that I’d been feeling would shift. Because he was here with me, which just made the long days a lot easier.
And the sex. Don’t even get me started. We’d never been in a hotel room together, and we didn’t have to worry about being quiet or walking around the room naked.
And a laid-back Archer Chadwick, dropping his towel on the floor after his shower and showing me the goods—that was a visual I’d hold on to for a very long time.
But being back was just as good, because Rosewood River felt like home. I’d missed Melody. We’d been busy working on her birthday party, which was today. We invited her whole class, including Justine, much to the chagrin of Archer and his brother and cousins. I’d had to remind him that excluding her would be stooping to her level.
And at the end of the day, Melody wanted everyone at her birthday, which I loved about her. She was the kindest little girl, with the most forgiving heart.
“Which one is the little shit who messed with my girl?” Bridger grumped as he and Emilia walked over to where Archer and I were standing.
“Bridger.” Emilia shook her head and laughed. “She’s a child.”
“A child who bullied Melody. At least let me glare at her a little.”
“I believe you bullied me for years,” Emilia said. “But we can all grow, right?”
“Sorry about that, angel. But this girl told Melody she wasn’t lovable. I was just a dick because I thought you hated me. This girl is out of control.”
“This girl is six years old. Trust me, I’m not her biggest fan, but it’s a birthday party and we’re not glaring at children,” Archer said, and Emilia and I both chuckled.
“Can I trip her? Put mustard on her cake?”
“Bridger!” Emilia gasped. “Stop talking like that, or I will withhold sex for a month.”
Bridger frowned. “Fine. I’ll leave the little gremlin alone.”
Rafe and Lulu walked over, with Henley and Easton right behind them.
“What a party,” Henley said. “This is so cute. You went all out.”
“This is all Winnie.” Archer winked at me. “I had nothing to do with it.”
“You don’t say?” Easton said with a laugh.
“What gave it away?” Rafe tapped his chin and smirked. “The giant pink balloon cowboy hats? The pink-and-gold balloon arch and the cake that’s shaped like a pair of pink cowboy boots?”
